1

Teaching Nutrition in Saskatchewan:

Health Science 20

*Photo retrieved from the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region’s Medical Media Services.

The purpose of Teaching Nutrition in Saskatchewan: Health Science 20 is to provide credible Canadian based nutrition information and resources to support the Saskatchewan Health Science 20 Curriculum (2016), accessed from www.curriculum.gov.sk.ca.

The Nutrition Concepts, Related Indicators and Suggested Resources section, found on pages 3-9 in this document identifies nutrition concepts and resources relating to the curriculum outcomes. These lists only refer to the curriculum outcomes that have an obvious logical association to nutrition. They are only suggestions and not exclusive. Suggested resources are mostly Canadian websites with information, activities, handouts and *videos.

*All videos and other resources have been reviewed for quality and accuracy by Registered Dietitians.

The Nutrition Background Information section found on pages 9-34, provides educators with current and reliable Canadian nutrition and healthy eating information.

The Public Health Nutritionists of Saskatchewan work together to promote, support and protect the nutritional health of people living in Saskatchewan.

For more information, contact:

Melanie Warken, B.Sc., R.D., M.Sc. Candidate

Public Health Nutritionist

Five Hills Health Region

melanie.warken@fhhr.ca

(306) 691-1536

NOTE: Although every effort has been made to ensure the web links in this document are updated and accurate, due to the dynamic nature of the internet, some hyperlinks may no longer be active. If this has occurred, try searching for the resource on the internet through a search engine such as Google.

To provide feedback about this resource please complete this short survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/JL3D7BM

Developed by:

Public Health

Nutritionists of

Saskatchewan

2

Table of Contents Page

Nutrition Related Outcomes - Concepts and Resources

Career Exploration (CE1)

Human Body (HB1 & 2)

Nutrition (NU1 & 2)

3

3

4

5

Nutrition Background Information 9

Nutrition Related to Diabetes and Heart Disease (HB2) 9

Nutrients in Foods and Health Risks: What does the research say? (NU1) 11

Foods and Eating Habits Linked to Good Health (NU2) 14

Accessing Health Information Online (NU2) 19

Reading Health Studies (NU2) 20

Evolution of Canada’s Food Guide (NU2) 22

Food Tracking for Youth (NU2) 24

Planning a Healthy Menu (NU2) 25

Healthy Eating for Active Youth (NU2) 27

Opportunities and Barriers to Healthy Eating (NU2) 29

Activity: Food Environment Assessment (NU2) 31

Processed Foods (NU2) 32

Weight Bias (NU2) 33

Body Composition Measurement Tools (NU2) 34

3

Health Science 20 CAREER EXPLORATION

Curriculum Outcome

Indicators Resources: Background Information, Online Resources, Videos, Sample

Activities, etc.*

HS20-CE1 Analyze and explore health-science related occupations in Saskatchewan, Canada and the world.

a – i

(See curriculum for full

indicators)

What is a Registered Dietitian (RD)? - Dietitians. Dietitians of Canada: www.dietitians.ca

- Is there a difference between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist? Dietitians of Canada www.dietitians.ca

- Dietitian vs. Nutritionist vs. Holistic Nutritionist. Dietetic Directions dieteticdirections.com (Note: This blog written by an Ontario RD, some differences

in SK, namely not all insurance covers private RD services).

Becoming an RD - Become a Dietitian. Dietitians of Canada www.dietitians.ca

- Becoming an RD in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan Dietitians Association www.saskdietitians.org

- Nutrition Program information. University of Saskatchewan explore.usask.ca

Where do RDs Work? - Dietitians Make a Difference. Dietitians of Canada. www.dietitians.ca

- The Dietitian Workforce in Canada. Dietitians of Canada. www.dietitians.ca

- About Dietetics; Why Choose a RD; Where do RDs Work. Saskatchewan Dietitians Association www.saskdietitians.org

HUMAN BODY

Curriculum Outcome

Indicators Resources: Background Information, Online Resources, Videos, Sample

Activities, etc.*

HS20-HB1 Analyze the anatomy and physiology of a healthy human.

Indicators:

b. Describe the anatomy

(structure) and

physiology (function) of

at least five human body

systems (i.e.,

cardiovascular,

endocrine, lymphatic,

digestive, urinary,

muscular, nervous,

respiratory, reproductive,

integumentary and

skeletal).

h. Investigate the

benefits of normal flora,

or normal microbiota on

Videos

- Crash Course Anatomy and Physiology: www.youtube.com

Digestive System

- Part 1: Crash Course A&P #33 www.youtube.com

- Part 2: Crash Course A&P #34 www.youtube.com

- Part 3: Crash Course A&P #35 www.youtube.com

The Excretory System

- From Your Heart to the Toilet – Crash Course Biology #29 www.youtube.com

The Urinary System

- Crash Course A&P #38 Part 1 www.youtube.com

- Crash Course A&P #39 Part 2 www.youtube.com

Blood Pressure

- How Blood Pressure Works ed.ted.com

4

and in the human body. Kidneys - How do our kidneys work? ed.ted.com

Pancreas - What does the pancreas do? ed.ted.com

Probiotics and Prebiotics - Info: Prebiotics and Probiotics. Eat Right Ontario www.eatrightontario.ca

HS20-HB2

Investigate the

effects of various

injuries, disorders

and diseases on

human cells,

tissues, organs

and systems

Indicators:

c. Research the

symptoms, possible

causes, stages and scope

(e.g., cells, tissues, organs

and/or systems) of a

pathology that affects

one or more body

systems.

e. Outline the history of a

*disease or illness and its

causes, including societal

and cultural perspectives

*Nutrition-related

diseases and conditions:

Diabetes

Heart Disease

Blood Pressure

Kidney Disease

Some types of cancer

Osteoporosis

Celiac Disease

Food Allergies and

Intolerances

Nutrition-Related Diseases

Backgrounder: Nutrition Related to Diabetes and Heart Disease p. 9

Diabetes

- Diabetes Canada: www.diabetes.ca

- History of Diabetes. Diabetes Canada www.diabetes.ca

- Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines. Diabetes Canada guidelines.diabetes.ca

- Teachers’ Guide grade 9-12. Kids’ Health classroom.kidshealth.org - (This

website has basic health information, however, is based in the United States (US) so refers to the US food guide and food labeling laws which are not appropriate to teach in Canada. Also note in the Diabetes ‘Quiz,’ Question 9 makes it seem as though all people who are overweight will get diabetes, which is not true. A better way to word this question is that ‘being overweight is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Or alternatively could be ‘Only overweight individuals get diabetes.’ Answer: False).

Diabetes in Indigenous populations - Diabetes in the Aboriginal Community. Diabetes Canada. www.diabetes.ca

- Type 2 Diabetes in Aboriginal Peoples. Diabetes Canada: Clinical Practice Guidelines. guidelines.diabetes.ca/browse/chapter38

- Diabetes in Canada: Facts and Figures - Diabetes among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations. Public Health Agency of Canada. www.phac-aspc.gc.ca

- Video: Diabetes epidemic in Indigenous populations' highlights disparity. CBC News. www.cbc.ca

Videos (diabetes) - Understanding Type 2 diabetes. Animated Diabetes Patient

www.youtube.com - Diabetes mellitus (type 1, type 2) & diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) - causes &

symptoms. Osmosis www.youtube.com - Personal Stories. Teens Health – Diabetes Centre kidshealth.org

Heart Disease

For more information about heart disease and its risk factors: - Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation www.heartandstroke.com - Hypertension Canada www.hypertension.ca

Videos (high blood pressure) - Hypertension. Osmosis www.youtube.com Advanced animation of basics of

hypertension - High blood pressure the basics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) www.youtube.com - Treating High Blood Pressure. CDC www.youtube.com

Fact Sheets - Sodium Sense Fact Sheets. Dietitians of Canada www.dietitians.ca

Kidney Disease - Nutrition and kidney disease. The Kidney Foundation of Canada

www.kidney.ca/Nutrition - Kidney disease information. Teens Health. kidshealth.org

Osteoporosis

5

- Osteoporosis Canada - www.osteoporosis.ca - Osteoporosis. Kids Health kidshealth.org/en/kids/osteoporosis.html

Cancer - Cancer Prevention. Dietitians of Canada. www.dietitians.ca - Nutrition for people with Cancer. Canadian Cancer Society. www.cancer.ca Celiac Disease - Canadian Celiac Association - www.celiac.ca - Celiac Disease. Teens Health kidshealth.org - Video: Celiac Disease: how it’s caused and how it’s treated. Ted-Ed ed.ted.com - Video: What’s the big deal with gluten anyways. Ted-Ed www.youtube.com Food Allergies and Intolerances

- Food Allergy Canada - foodallergycanada.ca - Food Allergies and Intolerances. Eat Right Ontario www.eatrightontario.ca - Video: Understanding Food Allergies - The National Institute of Allergy and

Infectious Diseases www.youtube.com - Video: What is the difference between food allergies and intolerance? Allergy

Scope www.youtube.com

NUTRITION

Curriculum Outcome

Concepts and relevant indicators (indicator letter in

brackets)

Resources: Background Information, Online Resources, Videos, Sample Activities, etc.*

HS20-NU1 Assess

the importance of

macronutrients (i.e.,

carbohydrates,

proteins and fats)

and micronutrients

(e.g., vitamins,

minerals and

phytochemicals) in

maintaining human

health.

Macronutrients: fat,

protein,

carbohydrates (a,

b, c, d, e, f)

- Calories

Micronutrients:

Vitamins and

Minerals (a, I, j)

- Phytochemicals and Antioxidants

Metabolism & Nutrition (b, h)

Foods and Eating

Practices Linked to

Disease and Good

Health.

Macronutrients: fat, protein, carbohydrates

- Video: Biological Molecules - You Are What You Eat: Crash Course Biology #3. Crash Course www.youtube.com

Fats

- Facts on Fats. Eat Right Ontario www.eatrightontario.ca

Sugar

- WHO Sugar Intake Recommendations www.who.int

- Video: Sugar, hiding in plain sight. Ted – Ed ed.ted.com

Calories

- Video: What is a calorie? Ted – Ed ed.ted.com

Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals

- Dietary Reference Intakes. Health Canada. www.canada.ca

- Consumer’s Guide to the DRIs. Health Canada. www.hc-sc.gc.ca

- Functions and Food Sources of some Common Vitamins. Dietitians of Canada and PEN www.dietitians.ca

- Video: Vitamins Absorption. Ted ED www.youtube.com

- Video: Summary of vitamin functions and sources: www.youtube.com

- Video: Minerals in our Food: Functions in the Body and Food Sources. Teachers as Transformers. www.youtube.com

Phytochemicals

- Video: Phytochemicals 101: What you need to know about these tiny super-nutrients. Globe and Mail www.theglobeandmail.com

- Phytochemicals’ Role in Good Health. Today’s Dietitian

6

www.todaysdietitian.com

- What are Phytochemicals? Nucific. www.phytochemicals.info

Antioxidants

- Video: Antioxidants: More is not always Better. Consumer reports www.consumerreports.org

- Handout: Antioxidants and your Diet. Dietitians of Canada and PEN

- What you need to know about antioxidants. Eat Right Ontario. www.eatrightontario.ca

Metabolism & Nutrition

- Video: Metabolism and Nutrition Part 1: Crash Course A&P #36. Crash Course. www.youtube.com (Exploring some of its key parts, including vital nutrients -- such as water, vitamins, minerals, carbs, fats, and proteins -- as well as how anabolic reactions build structures and require energy, while catabolic reactions tear things apart and release energy).

- Video: Metabolism and Nutrition Part 2: Crash Course A&P #37. Crash Course. www.youtube.com (more about our metabolism including cellular respiration, ATP, glycogenesis, and how insulin regulates our blood sugar levels).

- Backgrounders: Foods linked to Disease, p. 11, and Foods Linked to Good Health, p. 14

HS20-NU2 Analyze

dietary choices

based on personal

and cultural

beliefs and

scientific

understanding of

nutrition.

Finding Credible

Nutrition

Information

Food Tracking for

Youth (c, d)

National dietary

recommendations

and Reference

Intakes (Canada

and other

countries, e.g.

Food Guide; DRIs)

(f)

Food Labeling (g)

Meal Planning (h)

Personal lifestyle food

choices

(sustainable food

systems,

vegetarian, sport

nutrition)(h)

Fad Diets (l)

Non-Dieting Approach

to Healthy Eating

(h)

Finding Credible Nutrition information

- How to find food and nutrition information you can trust. Dietitians of Canada

www.dietitians.ca

- Backgrounder: Accessing Health Information Online p.19

- Backgrounder: Reading Health Studies p.20

National Dietary Recommendations and Reference Intakes

- Dietary Reference Intakes Tables. Government of Canada www.canada.ca

Canada’s Food Guide

Health Canada:

- Canada’s Food Guide: www.hc-sc.gc.ca

- Canada’s Food Guide First Nations, Inuit and Metis www.hc-sc.gc.ca

- History of CFG: www.hc-sc.gc.ca

- Backgrounder: Evolution of Canada’s Food Guide p. 22

- Tools for educators and communicators: www.hc-sc.gc.ca

- CFG under revision: www.healthycanadians.gc.ca and www.healthycanadians.gc.ca

- Review of the evidence behind the guidance: www.healthycanadians.gc.ca

Other Country Food Guidelines:

- Dietary Guidelines Around the World. Dietitians Pantry thedietitianspantry.com

- Brazil’s New Food-based dietary guidelines. Food and Agriculture Organization

www.fao.org/nutrition Summarized – Brazil’s new dietary guidelines: food-

based! Food Politics www.foodpolitics.com

Food Labeling

- Food Labels - Healthy Canadians: www.healthycanadians.gc.ca

o Activity: Nutrition Label Reading Quiz www.healthycanadians.gc.ca

7

Opportunities and

Barriers to Healthy

Eating (h)

Processed Foods (j)

- Food Additives

and Preservatives

Body Image and

disordered eating (k)

- Body Composition

Measurement

Tools (i)

- Weight Bias (i)

Cultural and Religious

Food Practices (m)

o Activity – Health Canada – Eat Well and be Active Education Toolkit - Lesson Plan #4 www.hc-sc.gc.ca

- Food Label changes 2017. Healthy Canadians healthycanadians.gc.ca

- Nutrition Labelling - for educators. Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca

- Video: 10 “Healthy” Food labels exposed. CBC Marketplace www.youtube.com

- Videos: Nutrition Labelling. Eat Right Ontario www.eatrightontario.ca

- Info: Decoding the Nutrition Label. Eat Right Ontario www.eatrightontario.ca

- Label Reading – Step by Step. Diabetes Canada and Dietitians of Canada

novascotia.ca

Meal Planning and Food Tracking

Backgrounders and Activity: Planning a Healthy Menu p. 29, and Food tracking

for youth p. 31

- My Menu Planner. Eat Right Ontario www.eatrightontario.ca

- Health Canada. Consumer’s Guide to the DRIs. www.hc-sc.gc.ca

- Dietary Reference Intakes. Health Canada. www.canada.ca

- Nutrient Data. Health Canada. www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Personal Lifestyle Choices

Local Foods and sustainable food systems

- Videos: Short Films and Video Clips - Nourish www.nourishlife.org

- Nourish Curriculum Guide. Nourish www.nourishlife.org (DVD can be loaned

from public libraries).

- Gardens for Learning: Linking gardens to school curriculum – Western Growers

Foundation: Collective School Garden Network www.csgn.org

Vegetarian Diets

- Vegetarian Diets. Dietitians of Canada www.dietitians.ca

Sport Nutrition

- Backgrounder: Healthy Eating for Active Youth p. 27

Fad Diets

- Video: Do Fad Diets Work? Ted Ed ed.ted.com

- Video: What’s the big deal with gluten? Ted Ed ed.ted.com

Non-Dieting Approach to Healthy Eating

- Video: Healthy Eating 101 – Doc Mike Evans www.youtube.com

- Eating Competence. Ellyn Satter Institute ellynsatterinstitute.org

- Family Meals Benefits. Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region (resource developed by the Public Health Nutritionists of Saskatchewan) www.rqhealth.ca

- Healthy Eating How to - Pinterest Board. Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region www.pinterest.com

Opportunities and Barriers to Healthy Eating

- Backgrounder: Opportunities and Barriers to Healthy Eating p. 29

8

- Video: Healthy Eating at School and Sporting Events – Ever Active Schools

www.youtube.com

- Video: Della: Hurdles to Health. Promoting Health Equity Project (poverty in Saskatoon, SK – Social Determinants of Health) www.youtube.com

- Factsheets: “The Impact of Food Insecurity on Health.” PROOF: Food Insecurity Policy Research. proof.utoronto.ca/resources/fact-sheets/#foodskills

- Activity: Food Environment Assessment p. 31

Processed Foods

Backgrounder: Processed Foods p.32

Food Additives and Preservatives

- Video: Are preservatives bad for you? Ted Ed - ed.ted.com

- What you need to know about food preservatives. Eat Right Ontario www.eatrightontario.ca

- Facts on Food Additives. Eat Right Ontario www.eatrightontario.ca

Health Canada Resources:

- The Safety of Food Additives - www.hc-sc.gc.ca

- Food Additives www.hc-sc.gc.ca

- Aspartame - www.hc-sc.gc.ca

- Food Additive Dictionary - www.hc-sc.gc.ca

David Suzuki Foundation Resources:

- Understanding GMOs www.davidsuzuki.org

- Thought for food: Organic farming is good for you and the planet www.davidsuzuki.org

- What are the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15? (pesticides/herbicides) www.davidsuzuki.org

- Are Organic Foods Better for my Health? Dietitians of Canada. 2017. www.dietitians.ca

Body Image

- The National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) - a Canadian non-

profit providing facts, resources, educational tools and support on eating

disorders & weight preoccupation: nedic.ca

- Backgrounders: Weight Bias p.33; Body Composition Measurement Tools p.34

- Weight Bias at Home and School (parent/teacher information). Rudd Centre www.uconnruddcenter.org

- Dealing with feelings when you’re overweight (student information). Youth

Health Youthhealth.org

- Eating Disorders. Dietitians of Canada www.dietitians.ca

Cultural and religious Food Practices

- You are what you eat. University of Leeds www.leeds.ac.uk/yawya/about/

- Traditional Food for Aboriginal People. Eat Right Ontario

www.eatrightontario.ca

9

Nutrition Related to Diabetes and Heart Disease Diabetes (1)

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body cannot properly use and store food for energy. This happens when the body cannot produce insulin or cannot use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The body needs insulin to use sugar as an energy source. Diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels, which can damage organs, blood vessels and nerves. The fuel that your body needs is glucose, which is a form of sugar. Glucose comes from foods that naturally contain sugar such as fruit, milk, some vegetables and grain products, as well as foods in which sugar and other sweeteners such as honey, molasses and concentrated fruit juice are added. To control blood glucose (sugar), it is important to eat healthy and be active. Medication may need to be taken also. A variety of high fibre foods from all of the food groups of Canada’s Food Guide are important for adequate nutrition. Limiting foods with added sugar such as pop, candies, and baked goods is helpful since these foods can increase blood sugar levels significantly, but do not offer many vitamins and minerals. There are 2 main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes occurs when no, or very little, insulin is released into the body. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used as energy. About five to 10 per cent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes generally develops in childhood or adolescence, but can develop in adulthood. Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Meal planning, physical activity and stress management also help with keeping blood sugar at the right levels.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body can’t properly use the insulin that is released (called insulin insensitivity) or does not make enough insulin. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used as energy. About 90 per cent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes develops more often in adults, but children can be affected. Depending on the severity of type 2 diabetes, it may be managed through physical activity and meal planning, or may also require medications and/or insulin to control blood sugar more effectively.

Because diabetes is a complex disease it is imperative that individuals manage the disease with support from a medical team including a physician, diabetes nurse and registered dietitian. Eating healthy and being physically active may help to maintain a healthy body weight, and in turn, reduce the risk of getting diabetes; however, there are many risk factors for the condition other than weight. For example, having a family history of diabetes, being over the age of 40, being a member of a high-risk group (Aboriginal, Hispanic, South Asian, Asian, or African descent), or taking certain medications increases a person’s risk of getting diabetes. Heart Disease (2)

Heart disease describes several different heart conditions. Coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common of these conditions, occurs when blood vessels in the heart become blocked or narrowed. This prevents the oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart. It can cause chest pain (called angina) or even a heart attack. CAD is caused by plaque building up along the interior walls of arteries. Plaque is a sticky, yellow substance made of fatty substances like cholesterol, as well as calcium and waste products from your cells. It narrows and clogs the arteries, slowing the flow of blood. This condition is called atherosclerosis, which may begin as early as childhood. It can occur anywhere in the body, but it usually affects large and medium-sized arteries. Early symptoms of CAD can include: fatigue, chest pain and dizziness. If left untreated, this disease can lead to other serious problems such as heart attack, stroke or even death. There are various risk factors for coronary artery disease including diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).

Hypertension: Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure or force of blood against the arterial walls when the heart contracts or when it is at rest. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can be caused by factors such as smoking, inactivity and poor eating habits. Research has shown that hypertension risk can be reduced by following an eating pattern

10

rich in vegetables, fruit, low fat dairy products whole grains, protein from plant sources (lentils and beans) and low in saturated fat. There is some evidence that indicates that eating less than 2300mg of sodium a day helps to lower blood pressure. Sodium is found in most foods, however, is especially high in convenience and fast foods, smoked and cured meat.

Blood cholesterol: Cholesterol is a fat found in the blood. It is naturally made and used by the body; however, it is also influenced by foods consumed. There are two main types of blood cholesterol:

o HDL cholesterol: referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol because it helps to remove excess cholesterol from the body.

o LDL cholesterol: referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol that can form plaque or fatty deposits on your artery walls. If your LDL level is high it can block blood flow to the heart and brain.

Foods that contain saturated fat (processed foods, fatty meat and dairy products, butter, lard) and trans fat (partially hydrogenated margarine, deep fried foods and packaged and baked goods) impact blood cholesterol more than foods that contain cholesterol.

References: 1. Diabetes Canada. www.diabetes.ca/ 2. Heart and Stroke Foundation. www.heartandstroke.ca/

11

Nutrients in Foods and Health Risks: What Does the Research Say?

The overall pattern of food that a person eats is more important to a healthy diet than focusing on single foods or individual nutrients (1). Dietary patterns characterized by: higher consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy,

and seafood; and lower consumption of red and processed meats, refined grains, and sugar-sweetened foods and beverages - have been linked to positive cardiovascular disease outcomes, show some protection against certain types of cancer, can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and can impact mental health and mood (2).

All foods are okay to have sometimes, it just depends how often and in what quantities we eat them, and what other foods we eat with them that has the greatest impact on our health. It is also important to remember that our health is not determined by food alone, but also by how often we move throughout the day, if we get enough sleep, if we use strategies to reduce stress, etc.

Trans fats

Recommendation: Trans-fat is not needed for a healthy diet and in fact can be harmful. You should aim to eat as little trans-fat as possible (4)(19).

Trans fats…

are a type of fat found in foods that are known to raise bad (LDL) cholesterol and lower good (HDL) cholesterol in the blood. This effect on cholesterol increases the risk for developing heart disease.

occur naturally in small amounts in some meat and dairy products, including beef, lamb and butterfat. There have not been sufficient studies to determine whether these naturally occurring trans-fats have the same negative effects on cholesterol levels as trans-fats that have been industrially manufactured (6).

Health Canada is proposing new regulations that will ban the use of partially hydrogenated oils in foods sold in Canada, stay tuned…(7).

Saturated Fats

Recommendation: Replace saturated fat and trans-fat with unsaturated fat (8)(19).

Saturated fats are naturally found in meat, chicken, fish, dairy products and some plant products such as coconut and palm oil.

Recent research (2016) has found that "Eating more saturated fats raises risk of early death," and “swapping saturated fat and / or trans-fats for polyunsaturated fat such as olive oil could reduce the risk of dying by 27% (8)(9).” This is in contrast to a 2015 a rigorous summary of research which found no link between saturated fats and death (28) - The difference in the conclusions could be because the 2015 previous summary of research could not say what people who ate less saturated fat ate instead. In a Western diet people who eat less saturated fat might eat more sugar or refined carbohydrates, which are known to be linked to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The 2016 study allowed researchers to calculate the effects of swapping one type of fat for another (8)(9).

Eating a diet that is high in saturated fat can raise the level of cholesterol in the blood by increasing the formation of LDL in the plasma compartment and by decreasing LDL turnover by decreasing LDL receptor activity. Having high cholesterol increases the risk of developing heart disease (10).

Excess sodium

Recommendation: Because our diets in North America are generally so high in salt, everybody – even those with normal blood pressure – can benefit from reducing salt intake (11)(12).

People do need small amounts of sodium for proper body functioning, but eating too much sodium can increase the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. When there's extra sodium in your bloodstream, it pulls water into your blood vessels, increasing the total amount (volume) of blood inside your blood vessels. With more blood flowing through your blood vessels, blood pressure increases (11)(12)(13)(14).

High intakes of sodium can also reduce bone mineral density in adult men and women (15), increasing the risk for developing osteoporosis.

12

Excess Sugar

Recommendation: World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines - For general health, it is recommended to reduce daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake; For additional health benefits: Reduce daily intake to below 5% or roughly 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day (16).

There is increasing concern that intake of free sugars,* particularly in the form of sugar-sweetened beverages, increases overall energy intake and may reduce the intake of foods containing more nutritionally adequate calories, leading to an unhealthy diet, weight gain, and increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes (16)(17).

Another concern is the association between intake of free sugars and dental caries (16). *‘Free sugars’ comprises all monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) and disaccharides (sucrose) added to foods by the manufacturer, cook or consumer, plus sugars naturally present in honey, syrups and unsweetened fruit juices. Under this definition lactose (the sugar in milk) when naturally present in milk and milk products and the sugars contained within the cellular structure of foods (particularly fruits and vegetables) are excluded.

Red and Processed Meat

Recommendations: Limit consumption of red meat and save processed meats for special occasions. Reducing consumption of these foods can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, and help reduce sodium intake (19)(22)(23)(24).

There is now a large body of evidence that bowel cancer is more common among people who eat the most red and processed meat. Processed meat is more strongly linked to bowel cancer than red meat. The results from a recent study showed that those who ate the most processed meat had around a 17% higher risk of developing bowel cancer, compared to those who ate the least (18).

How does red and processed meat increase the risk of getting cancer?

The evidence so far suggests that it is probably the processing of the meat, or chemicals naturally present within it, that increases cancer risk (18)(19), but the exact mechanisms are still unclear. Some of these chemicals include:

N-Nitroso Compounds

Haem, part of the red pigment in the blood, is broken down in our gut to form a family of chemicals called N-nitroso compounds. These have been found to damage the cells that line the bowel, so other cells in the bowel lining have to replicate more in order to heal. And it’s this ‘extra’ replication that can increase the chance of errors developing in the cells’ DNA – the first step on the road to cancer (21).

As well as being made from red meat, processed meats also contains added nitrites and nitrates which become nitrosamines in the gut (21).

Heterocyclic Amines (HCAs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Cooking meat at high temperatures, such as grilling or barbequing, can also create chemicals (HCAs and PAHs) in the meat that may increase the risk of cancer. In laboratory experiments, HCAs and PAHs have been found to be mutagenic—that is, they cause changes in DNA that may increase the risk of cancer. These chemicals are generally produced in higher levels in red and processed meat compared to other meats (21).

The risk

Research results showed that those who ate the most processed meat had around a 17 per cent higher risk of developing bowel cancer, compared to those who ate the least (18). What that means is that among 1000 people who eat the most processed meat, you’d expect 66 to develop bowel cancer at some point in their lives – 10 more than the group who eat the least processed meat (20).

There are several factors that increase the risk of a person developing cancer, including smoking, obesity and inactivity. Red and processed meat presents a relatively lower risk in comparison to these other factors.

For more information about cancer and nutrition visit: www.cancer.ca/en/?region=sk

Alcohol

Recommendations: Recommendations vary depending on a variety of factors. See www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/2012-Canada-Low-Risk-Alcohol-Drinking-Guidelines-Brochure-en.pdf for Canadian guidelines.

13

Possible Harms

Depending on how much you drink, alcohol can be linked to both chronic and acute alcohol-related harms.

Chronic overconsumption of alcohol is associated with numerous health effects that include: brain damage; reduced immunity, as a result of either alcohol itself or its metabolites; central nervous system degeneration; dementia, as a result of the toxic effects of alcohol on the brain; coronary heart disease; certain cancers including breast cancer; Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome; hepatic encephalopathy; pellagra; chronic pancreatitis; and secondary osteoporosis (25).

Acute alcohol-related harms include alcohol poisoning, physical and (or) verbal fights and accidents.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy results in damage to the developing fetal brain resulting in neuron loss that ultimately effects behaviour, learning and memory as well as defects across a range of cells resulting in central nervous system dysfunction, growth restriction, cardiac problems, the development of characteristic craniofacial features and other issues. Alcohol can cause fetal harm by producing oxidative stress on cells, disrupting and damaging key developmental processes, interference with growth factor signalling and routine cell interactions, and altering the expression of genes and inducing cell death (25).

It is not recommended that people under the legal drinking age consume alcohol.

References:

1. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2013. Total Diet Approach to Healthy Eating. Volume 113, Issue 2, Pages 307- 317. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: www.eatrightpro.org/resource/practice/position-and-practice-papers/position-papers/total-diet-approach-to-healthy-eating

2. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2017. Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee . Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015-scientific-report/07-chapter-2/

3. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Washington D.C.; 2010. Available from: www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietary-guidelines-2010.

4. Eat Right Ontario. Tackling Trans Fats. 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Fat/Tackling-Trans-Fat.aspx 5. Dietitians of Canada. Trans Fats. 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: www.dietitians.ca/Dietitians-Views/Food-Regulation-and-Labelling/Trans-Fats.aspx 6. Healthy Canadians. 2016. Fats. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: healthycanadians.gc.ca/eating-nutrition/healthy-eating-saine-alimentation/nutrients-nutriments/fats-lipides-eng.php 7. Healthy Canadians. 2016. Consultation on banning partially hydrogenated oils in foods. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/banning-partially-

hydrogenated-oils-in-foods.html 8. Wang, D., Y. Li, S. Chiuve, M. Stampfer, J. Manson, E. Rimm, W. Willett, and F. Hu. 2016. Association of Specific Dietary Fats With Total and Cause-Specific Mortality. JAMA Intern

Med. 2016; 176(8):1134-1145. jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2530902 9. Study finds link between saturated fats and early death.2016. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: www.nhs.uk/news/2016/07July/Pages/Study-finds-link-between-saturated-fats-and-

early-death.aspx 10. Fernandez, M., and K. West. 2005. Mechanisms by which dietary fatty acids modulate plasma lipids. J Nutr. 135(9):2075-8. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from:

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16140878 11. Heart and Stroke Foundation. Salt. 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: www.heartandstroke.ca/get-healthy/healthy-eating/reduce-salt 12. Health Canada. Sodium in Canada. 2017. Retrieved March 24, 2017 from: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/sodium/index-eng.php#a1 13. American Heart Association. Break up with salt. 2017. Retrieved March 24, 2017 from: sodiumbreakup.heart.org/sodium_and_your_health 14. Hypertension Canada. What is High Blood Pressure. 2016. Retrieved March 24, 2017 from: www.hypertension.ca/en/hypertension/what-do-i-need-to-know/what-is-high-blood-

pressure 15. Teucher B, Fairweather-Tait S. Dietary sodium as a risk factor for osteoporosis: where is the evidence? Proc Nutr Soc. 2003 Nov [cited 2011 Jan 10];62(4):859-66. Abstract available

from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15018486 16. World Health Organization. Guideline: Sugar Intake for Adults and Children. 2015. Retrieved March 24, 2017 from:

apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/149782/1/9789241549028_eng.pdf?ua=1 17. Government of Canada. Evidence Review for Dietary Guidance: Summary of Results and Implications for Canada's Food Guide. 2016. Retrieved March 24, 2017 from:

www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/food-nutrition/evidence-review-dietary-guidance-summary-results-implications-canada-food-guide.html 18. Bouvard, Véronique et al. 2015. Carcinogenicity of consumption of red and processed meat. The Lancet Oncology , Volume 16 , Issue 16 , 1599 – 1600.

thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(15)00444-1/abstract 19. Health Canada. Canada’s Food Guide. Retrieved April 24 from www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php. 20. Cancer Research UK. Processed meat and cancer – what you need to know. 2015. Retrieved March 24, 2017 from: scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org/2015/10/26/processed-meat-and-

cancer-what-you-need-to-know/ 21. Chemicals in Meat Cooked at High Temperatures and Cancer Risk. 2015. National Cancer Institute. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-

prevention/risk/diet/cooked-meats-fact-sheet 22. Canadian Cancer Society. 2017. Red and Processed Meat. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: www.cancer.ca/en/prevention-and-screening/live-well/nutrition-and-fitness/eating-well/red-

and-processed-meat/?region=sk 23. WHO. Links between processed meat and colorectal cancer. 2015. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2015/processed-meat-cancer/en/ 24. World Cancer Research Fund. 2016. A Closer Look at Red Meat. Infographic Fact Sheet Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: www.wcrf-uk.org/sites/default/files/closer-look-red-meat-

factsheet.pdf 25. Pen Nutrition. 2015. Alcohol: Evidence Summary. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: www.pennutrition.com/KnowledgePathway.aspx?kpid=1417&trcatid=42&trid=1963 26. Zakhari, S. 1997. Alcohol and the Cardiovascular System: Molecular Mechanisms for Beneficial and Harmful Action. Alcohol health & research world 21:1. Retrieved April 18, 2017

from pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh21-1/21.pdf 27. Harvard School of Public Health. 2017. Alcohol: Balancing Risks and Benefits. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/alcohol-full-story/ 28. de Souza Russell J, Mente Andrew, Maroleanu Adriana, Cozma Adrian I, Ha Vanessa, Kishibe Teruko et al. Intake of saturated and trans unsaturated fatty acids and risk of all cause

mortality, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies BMJ 2015; 351 :h3978. Retrieved from www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h3978

14

Foods and Eating Habits Linked to Good Health

Eating Patterns

The overall pattern of food that a person eats is more important to a healthy diet than focusing on single foods or individual nutrients (1). Dietary patterns characterized by: higher consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and seafood; and lower consumption of red and processed meats, refined grains, and sugar-sweetened foods and beverages - have been linked to positive cardiovascular disease outcomes, shows some protection against certain types of cancer, and can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (2). It is these combinations and quantities in which foods and nutrients are consumed that may have synergistic and cumulative effects on health and disease including mood and mental health” (3)(4).

Where do the recommendations in Canada’s Food Guide come from?

MEAT AND MEAT ALTERNATIVES

Meat alternatives

Recommendation: Canada’s Food Guide recommends that people regularly choose beans and other meat alternatives such as lentils and tofu (7).

The reason for this recommendation is that consuming meat alternatives more often helps to minimize the amount of saturated fat* in the diet. Also, diets rich in plant-based protein has been shown to help lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension (7).

*See page 11 on Sat fats and health

Tofu, tempeh, soy nuts and soy* beans

Research has consistently shown that dietary soy protein* can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels in adults, but the exact mechanism is not known** (8)(9)(11)(12).

Note: In the media in the past there have been claims that too much soy can increase risk of developing breast cancer and can decrease testosterone levels in men causing infertility, but these claims have not been proven true. Research has found no effect of the above claims on soy consumption (10).

*Foods and ingredients eligible for the claim include soy beverages, tofu, miso, tempeh, nattō, soy cheese, soy nuts, isolated soy protein (ISP), soy protein

concentrate (SPC), textured soy protein (TSP) and soy flour (SF) (9).

Pulses (dried beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas)

Pulses are sources of folate and fibre. They have a low glycemic index* and are nutrient-dense. Pulses provide significant amounts of protein for those who limit or avoid animal proteins. Pulses are affordable and diverse foods that grow in a range of climates. There is growing research supporting the role of pulses in the management various health conditions including cardiovascular health, diabetes, and weight management (13).

*The Glycemic Index (GI) is a scale that ranks carbohydrate-rich foods by how much they raise blood glucose (sugar) levels compared to a standard food.

Research has shown that eating mostly high GI foods increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. To help prevent diabetes, try to make a point of choosing lower GI

foods more often. For more information visit: www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Carbohydrate-and-Sugar/Getting-to-know-the-Glycemic-Index.aspx

Pulses and Cardiovascular health: Regular consumption of a variety of pulses contributes to lower total and LDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, maintaining HDL cholesterol levels, and reduced blood pressure.

Approximately 90% of the fibre in pulses is insoluble fibre and 10% is soluble fibre. Regular intake of foods containing soluble fibre, such as pulses, can reduce serum total and LDL cholesterol in adults (14).

Nuts (almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts)

– Consuming nuts regularly throughout the week helps to decrease total and LDL cholesterol in individuals (17)(18).

– Nuts contain unsaturated* fatty acids; fibre; micronutrients** including potassium, calcium, magnesium, and tocopherols; and

phytochemicals such as antioxidants and phytosterols (see info on phytonutrients p.16), phenolic compounds, resveratrol, and

arginine which all play a role in protective heart health (18).

* Replacing saturated fats in the diet with unsaturated fats can help reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and related deaths (36).

**A high intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium, together with a low sodium intake, is associated with protection against bone demineralization, arterial

hypertension, insulin resistance, and overall cardiovascular risk (19).

15

Seeds (flax, chia, hemp hearts, sunflower seeds, etc.)

Flax seed consumption can reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels, particularly in adults with high cholesterol (20).

Flax helps protect against CVD by altering the omega-3 fat content of cell membranes (21), by improving blood lipids and endothelial function and by exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic effects (22).

Seeds are good sources of fibre and unsaturated fatty acids (e.g. omega-6 and omega-3s) which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers (16).

Fish* **

Recommendation: Eat at least 2 food guide servings of fish each week (7).

Many fish are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids o The regular consumption of omega-3s (Eicosapentanoic acid – EPA; and Docosahexanoic acid – DHA) from fish reduces

serum triglyceride levels and blood pressure, improves arterial stiffness and endothelial function, and inhibits inflammatory processes.

o More consistent results found from consuming fish over fish oil supplements. (23). o In Western diets the ratio of omega-6-omega-3 fatty acids is about 15/1 - A lower ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids

is more desirable in reducing the risk of many of the chronic diseases (26). o Replacing saturated fats in the diet with unsaturated fats can help reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and

related deaths (36).

It is likely that not only the omega-3 fats, but also the other nutrients found in fish and the displacement of high fat foods, contribute to cardiovascular benefits. (7).

Some fish are good, natural food sources of vitamin D, important for bone health and immunity.

*For information on fish that are more of a concern for high mercury levels visit: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/chem-chim/environ/mercur/cons-adv-etud-eng.php

**For more information on sustainable and ethical seafood picks at the supermarket visit: www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/food-and-our-planet/suzukis-top-10-sustainable-seafood-picks/

GRAIN PRODUCTS

Recommendation: Make at least half of your grain products whole grain each day (7).

Whole grains:* Evidence is generally consistent for a protective effect of foods containing dietary fibre (notably grain products)

against colorectal cancer (27).

*Whole grains and whole grain foods are composed of all three edible layers of the grain seed or kernel. Each layer provides a unique combination of nutrients.

The outer bran layer provides all of the fibre as well as B vitamins, minerals such as magnesium, iron and zinc, phytochemicals and some protein. The middle

endosperm layer accounts for the majority of the weight of the grain and is composed mostly of carbohydrate and protein. The inner germ layer provides B

vitamins, unsaturated fats, vitamin E, minerals and phytochemicals (28).

Oats: There is data that indicates that oats, as a form of whole grain, are associated with lower risk factors for CHD such as total

cholesterol and LDL (28).

VEGETABLES AND FRUIT

– We require the most servings from the vegetables and fruit food group each day out of all the food groups. Canada’s Food

Guide recommends we eat at least one dark green and one orange vegetable each day to help ensure we get enough of the

specific nutrients found in those vegetables (folate and vitamin A)(7).

– For hypertension, CHD, and stroke, there is convincing evidence that increasing the consumption of vegetables and fruit reduces

the risk of disease. There is probable evidence that the risk of cancer in general is inversely associated with the consumption of

vegetables and fruit. In addition, there is possible evidence that an increased consumption of vegetables and fruit may prevent

body weight gain. As overweight is the most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus, an increased consumption of

vegetables and fruit therefore might indirectly reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (29).

16

– Vegetables and fruit contain many antioxidants and phytochemical, which help protect against certain types of cancers. (see

info on antioxidants below)

Phytonutrients

A wide variety of compounds produced by plants. Each phytonutrient has a different proposed effect on and benefits for the body.

– Antioxidants are naturally found in foods. An antioxidant can be:

o A vitamin such as vitamins A, C or E

o Plant chemicals like flavonoids and carotenoids

o A mineral such as selenium

Cell damage happens naturally as you age and when you are exposed to things like pollution or cigarette smoke and stress. Cell

damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals can lead to common diseases like heart disease, diabetes and

cancer. Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might

cause. A diet rich in antioxidants can help lower your risk of these diseases (30).

You can get all the antioxidants you need from eating a variety of antioxidant rich foods like vegetables, fruit, whole grain bread,

pasta and cereal, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, garlic and green tea.

– Plant sterols: Foods enriched with plant stanol or sterol esters can lower LDL cholesterol levels (31) - greater effect with

multiple daily intakes than single doses. Most current guidelines recommend for cholesterol lowering that plant sterols be

added to the diet (~2 g/day) (32). Wheat germ, wheat bran, peanuts, vegetable oils (corn, sesame, canola and olive oil),

almonds, Brussels sprouts and broccoli contain plant stanols and sterols. Smaller amounts are found in other vegetables and

some fruits. Because it’s hard to get enough plant sterols/stanols from foods, food companies have begun to add plant sterols

or stanols to some of their food products, such as vegetable oil spreads, mayonnaise, yogurt, milk, orange juice, cereals and

snack bars (33).

Fibre

Fibre includes all parts of plant foods that your body can't digest or absorb. There are two main types of fibre:

o Insoluble fibre: helps to keep your bowels regular, can improve constipation, and promotes a healthy digestive system. Insoluble fibre is found in some vegetables and fruit, whole grains and wheat bran (6).

o Soluble fibre: helps to lower cholesterol* and control blood glucose by slowing down how quickly it is absorbed into the blood stream. Soluble fibre is found in some fruits like apples and oranges, vegetables like carrots, okra and eggplant, oats, barley, psyllium, and legumes like beans and lentils (6).

o It is important to eat a variety of fibre-rich foods to get the health benefits of both types of fibre.

o Research shows that fibre may also help you maintain a healthy body weight and lower your risk of heart disease and some cancers like colon cancer (6).

DAIRY PRODUCTS AND MILK ALTERNATIVES

Recommendation: Drink milk or fortified soy beverage each day as it provides calcium, vitamins A, D, and B12, riboflavin, zinc and magnesium, potassium, protein and fat (7).

Meeting the recommended intake of milk products while limiting soft drink intake is important to promote optimal bone health (34). Individuals, particularly children and adolescents, should be encouraged to follow Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide (7).

Soy milk can help reduce cholesterol (9).

Probiotics found in yogurt, cheese and milk are healthy or good bacteria that multiply in the colon and help to keep a

balance between the good and bad bacteria that live there (35).

OTHER

Oil

17

Recommendation: Include a small amount of unsaturated fat each day (7).

Oils and fats supply calories and essential fats that help our bodies absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Good sources of unsaturated fatty acids include oOlive, canola, walnut, sunflower, safflower, avocado, etc.

Replacing saturated fats in the diet with unsaturated fats can help reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and related

deaths (36).

Water

Recommendation: Satisfy your thirst with water. Drinking water regularly can satisfy thirst and promote hydration without adding

calories.

– Water makes up 60% of human body weight. Water is a structural component to all cells and is essential to all bodily fluids such

as blood, urine, and sweat. Water helps to transport nutrients and remove wastes from the body (7).

– Without adequate fluid intake, people can become dehydrated. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, headache, irritability,

dizziness and even impaired physical performance (7).

Other Eating Habits Linked to Good Health

Family Meals

Recommendation: Enjoy Meals together with family and friends (7).

Family Meals Benefits: Children and Adolescents who more frequently eat together with their family (39)(40):

avoid risky behaviours (drugs, alcohol, smoking, early sexual activity)

have better social adjustment (e.g. fewer fights)

are less likely to be overweight, obese, or to develop disordered eating patterns

eat better

learn better

learn more words

read better

have increased self-esteem and sense of well-being, and

have stronger family connections.

References: 1. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2013. Total Diet Approach to Healthy Eating. Volume 113, Issue 2, Pages 307- 317. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from:

www.eatrightpro.org/resource/practice/position-and-practice-papers/position-papers/total-diet-approach-to-healthy-eating

2. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2017. Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee . Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015-scientific-report/07-chapter-2/

3. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, to the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Washington D.C.; 2010. Available from: www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietary-guidelines-2010.

4. Priya Sumithran, Luke A. Prendergast, Elizabeth Delbridge, Katrina Purcell, Arthur Shulkes, Adamandia Kriketos, Joseph Proietto. Long-Term Persistence of Hormonal Adaptations to Weight Loss. New England Journal of Medicine, 2011; 365 (17): 1597 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1105816

5. Health Canada. Caffeinated Energy Drinks. 2015. Retrieved April 26 from: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/prodnatur/caf-drink-boissons-eng.php

6. Dietitians of Canada. Food Sources of Fibre. 2016. Retrieved April 26 from: www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition-A-Z/Fibre/Food-Sources-of-Fibre.aspx

7. Health Canada. Canada’s Food Guide: a resource for educators and communicators. Retrieved April 18, 2017 from: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/educ-comm/resource-ressource-eng.php

8. PEN. Cardiovascular Disease – Dyslipidemia. Key Practice Points (evidence review). 2014. Retrieved April 24 2017 from: www.pennutrition.com/KnowledgePathway.aspx?kpid=2878&pqcatid=146&pqid=2601

9. Health Canada – Food Directorate. 2015. Summary of Health Canada's Assessment of a Health Claim about Soy Protein and Cholesterol Lowering. Retrieved April 24 2017 from: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/alt_formats/pdf/label-etiquet/claims-reclam/assess-evalu/Sum-Assessment-Soy-April-2015-eng.pdf

10. PEN. Functional Foods/Nutraceuticals – Soy. Key Practice Points (evidence review). 2014. Retrieved April 24 2017 from: www.pennutrition.com/KnowledgePathway.aspx?kpid=4407&pqcatid=145&pqid=21812. Oregon State University.

11. Cho S., M Juillerat, and C. Lee. Cholesterol lowering mechanism of soybean protein hydrolysate. 2007. J. Agric Food Chem. 26; 55(26):10599-604. Retrieved April 24 2017 from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18052124

12. Jenkins, D. J. a., Mirrahimi, a., Srichaikul, K., Berryman, C. E., Wang, L., Carleton, a., … Kris-Etherton, P. M. (2010). Soy Protein Reduces Serum Cholesterol by Both Intrinsic and Food Displacement Mechanisms. Journal of Nutrition, 140(12), 2302S–2311S. http://doi.org/10.3945/jn.110.124958

13. Diabetes Canada. The Glycemic Index. 2017. Retrieved April 24 2017 from: www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/healthy-living-resources/diet-nutrition/the-glycemic-index#sthash.YiJfCC58.dpuf

14. PEN. Grains, Pulses and Seeds – Key Practice Points. 2014. Retrieved April 24 2017 from: www.pennutrition.com/KnowledgePathway.aspx?kpid=21548&pqcatid=146&pqid=21710

15. Lattimer, J. M., & Haub, M. D. (2010). Effects of Dietary Fiber and Its Components on Metabolic Health. Nutrients, 2(12), 1266–1289. doi.org/10.3390/nu2121266

18

16. PEN. Cardiovascular Disease – Dyslipidemia – Key Practice Points. 2014. Retrieved April 24 2017 from: www.pennutrition.com/KnowledgePathway.aspx?kpid=2878&pqcatid=146&pqid=2601

17. Del Gobbo, L. C., Falk, M. C., Feldman, R., Lewis, K., & Mozaffarian, D. (2015). Effects of tree nuts on blood lipids, apolipoproteins, and blood pressure: systematic review, meta-analysis, and dose-response of 61 controlled intervention trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 102(6), 1347–1356. doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.115.110965

18. Ros, E. (2010). Health Benefits of Nut Consumption. Nutrients, 2(7), 652–682. http://doi.org/10.3390/nu2070652.

19. Segura, R., C. Javierre, M. Lizarraga, and E. Ros. 2006. Other relevant components of nuts: phytosterols, folate and minerals. Br J Nutr 96(2): S36-44.

20. Rodriguez-Leyva, D., Bassett, C. M., McCullough, R., & Pierce, G. N. (2010). The cardiovascular effects of flaxseed and its omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid. The Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 26(9), 489–496.

21. Harper CR, Edwards MJ, DeFilipis AP, Jacobson TA. 2006. Flaxseed oil increases the plasma concentrations of cardioprotective (n-3) fatty acids in humans. J. Nutr. 136: 83-87.

22. Bloedon LT, Szapary PO. 2004. Flaxseed and cardiovascular risk. Nutr. Rev. 62: 18-27

23. Kromhout, D., Yasuda, S., Geleijnse, J. M., & Shimokawa, H. (2012). Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular disease: do they really work? European Heart Journal, 33(4), 436–443. http://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehr362.

24. Bradberry, J. C., & Hilleman, D. E. (2013). Overview of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Therapies. Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 38(11), 681–691. Retrieved April 24, 2017 from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3875260/

25. Flax Council. Chapter2: Backgrounder on Omega-3 Fatty Acids. http://flaxcouncil.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/FlxPrmr_4ed_Chpt2.pdf

26. The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health. 2002. The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids. Biomed Pharmacother. 56(8): 365-79. Retrieved April 24, 2017 from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12442909

27. Food Insight. Whole Grains Fact Sheet. 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2017 from: www.foodinsight.org/Whole_Grains_Fact_Sheet

28. PEN. Cardiovascular Disease – Key Practice Points. (2010). Retrieved April 24, 2017 from: www.pennutrition.com/KnowledgePathway.aspx?kpid=2671&pqcatid=146&pqid=8125

29. Boeing, H., Bechthold, A., Bub, A., Ellinger, S., Haller, D., Kroke, A., … Watzl, B. (2012). Critical review: vegetables and fruit in the prevention of chronic diseases. European Journal of Nutrition, 51(6), 637–663. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-012-0380-y.

30. PEN. Cancer – Colorectal - Key Practice Points. 2012. Retrieved April 24, 2017 from: www.pennutrition.com/KnowledgePathway.aspx?kpid=4545&pqcatid=146&pqid=8900

31. PEN. Cardiovascular Disease – Dyslipidemia - Key Practice Points. 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2017 from: www.pennutrition.com/KnowledgePathway.aspx?kpid=2878&pqcatid=146&pqid=2601

32. Food Insight. Functional Foods Fact Sheet: Plant Stanols and Sterols. 2007. Retrieved April 24, 2017 from: www.foodinsight.org/Functional_Foods_Fact_Sheet_Plant_Stanols_and_Sterols.

33. Hamilton Health Sciences. Plant sterols - could they be right for you? 2012. Retrieved April 24, 2017 from: www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/documents/Patient%20Education/PlantSterols-trh.pdf

34. PEN. Osteoporosis: Evidence Summary. 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2017 from: www.pennutrition.com/KnowledgePathway.aspx?kpid=553&trid=5402&trcatid=42

35. Eat Right – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Prebiotics and Probiotics: Creating a Healthier You. 2016. Retrieved April 24, 2017 from: www.eatright.org/resource/food/vitamins-and-supplements/nutrient-rich-foods/prebiotics-and-probiotics-the-dynamic-duo

36. Wang, D., Y. Li, S. Chiuve, M. Stampfer, J. Manson, E. Rimm, W. Willett, and F. Hu. 2016. Association of Specific Dietary Fats With Total and Cause-Specific Mortality. JAMA Intern Med. 2016; 176(8):1134-1145. jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2530902

37. WHO. Breastfeeding. 2017. Retrieved April 24, 2017 from: www.who.int/topics/breastfeeding/en/

38. Public Health Agency of Canada. 10 Great Reasons to Breastfeed Your Baby. 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2017 from: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/dca-dea/stages-etapes/childhood-enfance_0-2/nutrition/reasons-raisons-eng.php

39. PEN. Healthy Lifestyle - Eating Together - Evidence Summary Retrieved April 24, 2017 from: www.pennutrition.com/KnowledgePathway.aspx?kpid=6750&trid=6681&trcatid=42

40. Public Health Nutritionists of Saskatchewan. Teaching Nutrition in Saskatchewan Grade 6 Health and Physical Activity – Grade 6. www.rqhealth.ca/department/health-promotion/nutrition-and-healthy-eating

41. Government of Canada. Evidence Review for Dietary Guidance: Summary of Results and Implications for Canada's Food Guide. 2016. Retrieved March 24, 2017 from: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/food-nutrition/evidence-review-dietary-guidance-summary-results-implications-canada-food-guide.html

19

Accessing Health Information On-Line We often get health information from the internet through social media and websites. It is hard to know which source is the best. It is important to inform students of ways to ensure the information from the website can be trusted.

Below are a few tips when looking for health information online.

1. Who hosts the website?

Look for information from government authorities such as Health Canada, health authorities, or from national charities such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, or Diabetes Canada. These sources report reliable health information.

Be wary of websites advertising or selling things that are supposed to improve your health. Many of these companies include false or misleading scientific claims to encourage you to buy their product.

2. Is the information reliable?

Check the author’s credentials. Not all information is written by qualified health professional. There are many phony health professionals making false claims on the Internet.

Some qualified health professionals may also reference poor scientific studies with misleading information. It can be important to take a closer look at the articles backing up their claims (see backgrounder Reading Health Studies p. 20)

Health information should be unbiased and based on solid evidence. The author should refer to and provide the specific links to this evidence.

Be cautious about personal stories and opinions. They are not always objective or based on evidence.

Some websites may even have a cautionary note or full disclaimers that the information provided is purely based on opinion and not on scientific evidence.

3. When was the information written?

Look for websites with current health information. The date of the information is often at the bottom of the page. Look for information from the last 5 to 10 years.

4. Does the website offer quick and easy solutions to your health problems?

Be careful of health information that claims that one pill or food will cure a lot of different illnesses.

Be cautious of articles that try to make people fearful or recommends therapies which produce amazing or ‘miracle’ cures. Look for other reliable websites to see if they provide the same information.

Talk with a trusted health care professional about what you learn online before making any changes in your health care or eating plan.

20

Reading Health Studies

The study of how food and nutrition impacts human health is a fast growing field of science. As the popularity of nutritional science increases, so does the amount of inaccurate nutrition and health claims. These claims are often loosely based on poorly designed studies and distorted research findings. To be able to find and interpret accurate nutrition and health information make sure to:

1. evaluate the evidence behind a specific nutrition or health claim,

2. while identifying poor science reporting

4 Red Flags When Reading Health Studies (1)

1. Sensationalized headlines and misinterpreted results: Media headlines are used to catch the attention of viewers and often to elicit an emotional response, not necessarily to provide an accurate scientific report. Intentionally or not, some reporters can over simplify or misinterpret the finding of studies for the sake of a good storyline. Not only is the media to blame, the scientific community of researchers and journal editors have also been known to sensationalize media releases and misinterpreted results in an effort to fund journals and research(2). It is important to interpret the original study with a critical eye to identify potential conflict of interest and sensationalized conclusions.

Example: In 1998, a study in which a vaccine was allegedly linked to autism. Later it was noted that the study was funded by families who wanted lawsuits against the vaccine company, and that the research was full of study flaws, so did not actually prove that link. The journal later removed the study and 10 out of 12 of the study researchers noted the interpretation of the results was wrong (2).

2. Conflict of interest: Food companies and other industries will employ researchers to conduct and publish studies. Although this does not automatically indicate that the study will not be based on sound evidence, it is important to be cautious reading the study, since the research can be misrepresented for personal or financial gain.

Example: Food company financially supports researcher to publish evidence suggesting that a specialized chocolate milk prevents concussions www.healthnewsreview.org/2016/04/u-of-maryland-review-researcher-on-flawed-chocolate-milkconcussions-study-failed-to-disclose-big-dairy-donations/

3. Correlation instead of causation:

Watch out for studies confusing a correlation with a cause. When researchers say they have found a correlation it means they have found a relationship between two or more variables. This means when one thing changes, the other things change as well, but there is no way to tell one change caused the other changes.

Example: researchers have found a correlation between divorce rates in Maine and the consumption of margarine. Divorces are not influenced by margarine consumption; it is just that there seem to be similar fluctuations in the data (3). When a study indicates there is causation, this means that changes in one variable directly caused changes in the other. For example, jumping off a cliff can cause injury. Researchers can assign people to jump off a cliff and others to jump off a side walk and measure the number of injuries that are occurred in both groups. When they find out jumping off the clip causes more injuries, they can say, jumping off the cliff causes more injuries than jumping off a side walk.

4. Unrepresentative samples

Often news headlines and self-identified health gurus reference studies to support their claims. Unfortunately, these studies often have been done on animals, and don’t necessarily mean the same thing as if they were done with humans. Even if the study was done with humans, the subjects selected may be different than the population at hand.

Example: rats may respond to a certain chemical differently than humans. If this is true, using a study of rats to support a claim is useless. Also, if a small group of males in Africa respond to an intervention, it doesn’t mean it will work for Canadian women.

For more red flags and information see the Spotting Bad Science infographic on the next page.

References 1. Brunning A. A Rough Guide to Spotting Bad Science. Available from: www.compoundchem.com/ 2. Moore A. Bad science in the headlines. Who takes responsibility when science is distorted in the mass media? EMBO Rep. 2006 Dec; 7(12): 1193–1196. Available

from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1794697/ 3. Vigen, Tyler. Spurious Correlations. Available from: tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations

21

Reference: Brunning A. A Rough Guide to Spotting Bad Science. Available from: www.compoundchem.com/

22

Evolution of the Food Guide In the Beginning (1, 2)

Ever since the 1940’s a food guide has existed in Canada to direct Canadians toward healthy food choices and promote their

nutritional health.

In 1942, Canada’s first food guide called ‘Canada’s Official Food Rules’ was introduced. At that time, it focused on rationing and

preventing nutrition deficiencies during World War II. Over time, it became a tool to teach Canadians about balancing their

overall food choices to attain their required nutrients. There have been many changes to Canada’s Food Guides since 1942.

The guide started out giving many direct rules as noted in the first title of ‘Canada's Food Rules’. Later on, recommendations

became guidelines to follow.

Along with name changes, the number of food groups evolved from 5 to 4 in the 1977 version because vegetables and fruit offer

similar nutrients so they were combined to form one group.

The 1982 version was the start of educating the public about making food choices to decrease risk of chronic disease rather than

merely prevent nutrient deficiencies. It included the concept of moderation.

The 1992 version included stakeholder input, using feedback from experts, consumers, literature reviews, food consumption

surveys, consumer research, and commissioned scientific reviews. Consultation was an integral part of the process. The guide

changed from a circle to a rainbow in this version to visually represent the higher recommended number of servings from the

grain products and vegetable and fruit food groups.

Experts’ input to the guide’s messages became increasingly important. Today, the input process into developing the Food Guide

is very structured and involves many practitioners with various backgrounds, such as experts in nutrition, anaphylaxis,

agriculture, food and consumer associations, environmental health, food science, and food industry representatives.

The evolution continues. In 2016, as part of their Healthy Eating Strategy, Health Canada started to revise their nutrition

recommendations and food guide (for more see: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canada-food-guides/revision-

process.html ).

The Controversy (2, 3)

The 2007 version remains controversial as the food industry was an integral part of the 12-member Food Guide Advisory

Committee involved in its creation. Dairy, vegetable oil and consumer product manufacturers (including Pepsi-Co, Frito-Lay and

Coca-Cola) were represented in the consultation process. Some feel their *involvement may have swayed some of the

recommendations on the guide. (*Note: for the current consultations, they will not be meeting with food industry representatives.)

The food guide continues to promote foods to meet nutrient needs, with the recommended number of servings per age and

gender stemming from 500 simulated diets based on different patterns of eating. Opponents of the guide feel it is time to base

recommendations on overall eating practices rather than on nutrients, like the recent Brazilian dietary guidelines www.foodpolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/Brazilian-Dietary-Guidelines-2014.pdf

Canada’s Food Guide continues to be a popular document that Canadians turn to for guidance about the types and how much

food is recommended to be consumed.

Refer to the following page for images of Canada’s Food Guide Over the Years

References

1. Health Canada. Canada's Food Guides from 1942 to 1992 [cited 2016 Jul 21]. Available from: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/context/fg_history-

histoire_ga-eng.php.

2. Health Canada. Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide (2007): Development of the Food Intake Pattern [cited 2016 Aug 5]. Available from: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-

an/pubs/fd_int_pat-ela_mod_alim-eng.php.

3. Freedhoff, Y. Canada’s Food Guide is broken – and no one wants to fix i. Globe and Mail. 2015 Apr 26 [cited 2016 Aug 5]. Available from

www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health-advisor/canadas-food-guide-is-broken-and-no-one-wants-to-fix-it/article2411164

4. Health Canada. Evidence Review for Dietary Guidance: Summary of Results and Implications for Canada's Food Guide. 2015 [cited 2017 Apr 26]. Available from:

www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/food-nutrition/evidence-review-dietary-guidance-summary-results-implications-canada-food-

guide.html

5. Health Canada. Revision process for Canada's Food Guide. 2017. www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/canada-food-guides/revision-process.html

23

Canada’s Food Guide’s Over the Years . . .

24

Food Tracking for Youth Food tracking and analyzing involves having students record everything they ate or drank in a day, count how many servings of each

food group they consumed, and then compare it to the recommendations in Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) or to the Recommended

Daily Intake (RDI) values for macronutrients and personal estimated energy requirements. This activity helps students become more

aware of their eating habits and the factors that may affect what and how much they eat. Comparing students’ eating patterns with

those outlined in CFG or the DRIs not only helps to affirm healthy eating behaviours, but also helps to identify how eating habits may

be improved. When assigning students to track the food they eat, it is important to note that complete accuracy and perfect eating

habits likely will not occur, and should not be the primary goal of the activity. And remember that youth do not need to count

calories or develop strict meal plans in their everyday living. This activity is more to get them to understand that food has calories

that come from macronutrients, and our bodies burn them and store them for energy for later use. Focusing too strictly on calories

and macronutrient distribution can have a negative impact on youth’s relationship with food and can even lead to disordered eating.

Remind students that one day of recording what they eat does not necessarily reflect usual eating habits. Eating habits vary from

day to day. Several factors can influence a person’s daily intake, such as special occasions, after school activities, how active they are

throughout the day, and their genetic make-up. Eating patterns that happen over a number of days reflect more usual eating

patterns. Tracking what is eaten for a few days allows students to see current eating habits, without the task becoming too

overwhelming. Although the purpose of this activity is to look at the macronutrient make-up and calories provided by the foods

they eat, it is also important to emphasize that the overall patterns of eating is what is most important when it comes to healthy

eating, not just individual nutrients or foods. Also make note that eating habits include not only the types of food we eat, but also

the social aspects of eating, such as enjoying meals as a family and with friends. Recent evidence suggests that when families

regularly eat together at mealtimes, youth eat better and are healthier (1-8).

Creating a non-judgmental climate when doing food tracking activities will encourage students to be honest when recording their

intake. Remind students that there is no right or wrong answer, and the goal of the activity is not to portray perfect eating patterns.

The goal is also not about achieving a certain size, weight or shape. The goal rather is to get a closer look at what our foods are made

up of, how those components can fuel our bodies, and what amounts have been estimated we eat each day to stay strong and

healthy. It is important to be supportive of all youth by keeping the focus on health and wellness and off size and shape.

By completing the activity with the students, the teacher models how to do the activity accurately.

Be sensitive about the possibility that some families may not be able to provide enough nutritious foods at home. Also some

students may eat cultural foods that are different than their Canadian born peers. Students may feel embarrassed or ashamed to

share their food tracking results if their eating patterns are not similar to those reflected in CFG or those of their peers. You may

want to assign the food tracking activity on days that the students can participate in a snack or meal program at school or in the

community. This will help the students record more healthy food choices on their food tracking activity sheets if they are not getting

them at home and reflect a healthier eating pattern. Alternatively you could have students plan out meals for a day and calculate

the macronutrient and calorie content of those meals, then compare to their calculated recommended intake. That way they have

the sense of what macronutrients are in food and could compare it to the DRIs.

References:

1. Gillman MW, Rifas-Shiman SL, Frazier AL, Rockett HRH, Camargo CA, Field AE, et al. Family dinner and diet quality among older children and adolescents. Arch

Fam Med. 2000 ;9:235-40. Abstract available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/107281091

2. Hammons AJ, Fiese BH. Is frequency of shared family meals related to the nutritional health of children and adolescents? Pediatrics. 2011:127:6. Abstract

available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21536618

3. Larson A, Nelson M, Neumark-Sztainer D, Story M, Hannan PJ. Making time for meals: meal structure and associations with dietary intake in young adults. J Am

Diet Assoc. 2009; 109(1):72-9. Abstract available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19103325

4. Larson N, Fulkerson J, Story M, Neumark-Sztainer D: Shared meals among young adults are associated with better diet quality and predicted by family meal

patterns during adolescence. Public Health Nutr. 2013, 3: 1-11. Abstract available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3624057

5. Neumark-Sztainer D, Hannan PJ, Story M, Croll J, Perry C. Family meal patterns: associations with sociodemographic characteristics and improved dietary intake

among adolescents. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103:317-22. Abstract available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12616252

6. Videon TM, Manning CK. Influences on adolescent eating patterns: the importance of family meals. J Adolesc Health. 2003 ;32:365-73. Abstract available from:

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12729986

7. Woodruff Atkinson SJ. Family meal influence on dietary quality of grade six, seven and eight from Ontario and Nova Scotia [dissertation]. Waterloo (ON):

University of Waterloo; 2007. Abstract available from: uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/bitstream/10012/3046/1/SWoodruff_PhDthesis.pdf

8. Woodrruff SJ, Hanning RM. Associations between family dinner frequency and specific food behaviors among grade six, seven and eight students from Ontario

and Nova Scotia. J Adolesc Health. 2009;44:431-6. Abstract available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19380089

25

Planning a Healthy Menu

Planning meals and snacks for a few days at a time can help to save time and money. With a plan, you will buy fewer food items that

you don’t need and make fewer trips to the store. Invite students to make a week’s worth of dinner menus for themselves or a

family of four based on their personal lifestyle choices (e.g. how active they are; level of cooking skills; are there any cultural,

biological (allergies or diabetes) or other (vegetarian) food restrictions or preferences; etc.) Planned menus could also be used to

calculate their macronutrient and caloric make-up and then compared to recommended intake (RDI) values.

Note: All students need to be physically active, eat well, and have positive mental health regardless of their weight, size and shape. It

is important to be supportive of all youth by keeping the focus on health and wellness and off size and shape.

Below are suggested menu planning steps that you could review with your students.

Follow these steps to make a menu.

1. Prepare your workspace.

Gather favourite recipes and search new meal ideas they would like to try. Talk about incorporating leftovers on a night or

two but remind them that they will need to plan for extra servings to make sure there is enough for more meals.

Get a copy of Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) online or download My Food Guide Mobile App. Each meal needs to include

servings from all four food groups of CFG. The menu template below can help with this.

2. Fill in the menu.

Choose the main family meal first. Sitting down and eating together as a family is really important for youth. It provides an

opportunity to share experiences from the day and also helps to ensure a variety of foods are available and enjoyed.

Planning main family meals first will help to make sure these meals occurs. Keep food from the 4 food groups in mind when

planning meals and snacks. A good rule of thumb is to have food from 3 - 4 food groups at each meal. Plan to have

vegetables or fruit and a serving from another food group for snacks. When making a menu it is important to include

favourite meals and try out new recipes and foods.

Fill in breakfast and lunch. Often students are surrounded by food choices in their school and other places they have

activities and live. Planning which meals will be eaten away from home, and keeping nutrition in mind, helps students make

sure they choose a balanced meal and have extra food from home to supplement what is purchased. For example, if there

is a canteen at school, students could plan to have lunch from the canteen knowing what is usually available, and then

packing extra vegetables or fruit if this isn’t available at school.

3. Review the menu and think about the following things:

Spice it up with variety. Encourage students to use a variety of ingredients, flavours, colours and textures. This will make

meals more interesting and appealing. Combine old favourite foods with a few new dishes.

What is going on in the week? Suggest students think about their families’ schedules. A busy week filled with activities

could mean planning fast and easy meals rather than food that will take longer to prepare.

4. Estimate the amount of food needed.

Estimate the amount of food to buy and make. Students need to think about the number of people who will be eating and

how much they may eat.

5. Make the grocery list

Looking over the menu, students should think about what food they may already have on hand in order to decide what they

will need to buy.

Flip through grocery store flyers to take advantage of specials and use coupons to save money. For a homework project,

you could have them compare the list to their pantry at home, then go to the store with a parent to price all the items

they’d have to buy to make their menu.

Consider giving your students a budget to work with so that they need to consider the cost of the meals they have

developed.

For more recipe and menu ideas check out Eat Right Ontario (www.eatrightontario.ca), Dietitians of Canada (www.dietitians.ca) or

download the Cookspiration mobile app from www.cookspiration.com.

26

Healthy Menu Template

Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Breakfast

Vegetables and fruit

Grain products

Milk and milk alternatives

Meat and meat alternatives

Lunch

Vegetables and fruit

Grain products

Milk and milk alternatives

Meat and meat alternatives

Afternoon snack

Vegetables and fruit

One other food group

Supper

Vegetables and fruit

Grain products

Milk and milk alternatives

Meat and meat alternatives

Evening Snack

Vegetables and fruit

One other food group

Calculate Daily…

Total Calories:

% from Protein

% from Carbs

% from Fat

Recommendations: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/dietary-reference-intakes/tables.html

Calculation examples: faculty.mccneb.edu/CVanRiper/Unit%201/Nutrition%20Calculations%20Information%20Sheet.pdf

References:

1. Health Canada. 2010. Consumer’s Guide to the DRIs. Retrieved April 26 2017 from: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/reference/cons_info-

guide_cons-eng.php

2. Health Canada. Dietary Reference Intakes Tables. Retrieved April 26 2017 from: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-

nutrition/healthy-eating/dietary-reference-intakes/tables.html

3. Government of Canada. Canadian Nutrient File. Retrieved April 26 2017 from: food-nutrition.canada.ca/cnf-fce/index-eng.jsp

27

Healthy Eating for Active Youth

Proper nutrition is important for all people, but is crucial for the health of youth who are still growing, developing, and using a lot of energy in their

activities. It is important for youth to learn which foods provide energy for the physical activities they do (1).

Nutrients and fluids to fuel our bodies

It is important to eat healthy foods on a regular basis. Eating specific foods when doing physical activity can help with growth and performance.

Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water all provide important nutrition to help fuel our bodies for physical activities and normal

body functioning. Since active youth are still growing, and are being active, it is crucial to provide high quality food choices. This means choosing

wholesome rather than processed foods to provide sufficient vitamins, minerals and macronutrients.

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the most important fuel source for active individuals. These nutrients break down to glucose, which is

used as energy by the body. Glucose is stored in the muscles as glycogen. Muscle glycogen is the most readily available energy source for

working muscle and can be released more quickly than other energy sources. Carbohydrates are also the main fuel source for the brain. Good

sources of carbohydrates include whole grain bread, pasta, cereal, and crackers.

Proteins: Proteins have a variety of roles in the body, including building, repairing and maintaining muscle. Protein breaks down into amino

acids, which are the building blocks for other proteins. Many amino acids can be made by the body, while some are considered essential,

meaning we can only get them from food. Active youth need a little more protein than sedentary youth (about 1½–2 times that of sedentary

individuals), but they can easily get that protein from food alone. Good sources of protein include eggs, nuts and nut butters, legumes (such

as chickpeas, beans and lentils), fish, beef, chicken, and pork.

Fats, Vitamins, and Minerals:

o Fats provide energy for sustained physical activity as well as protection around vital organs.

o Vitamins and minerals support all of the processes our bodies do to break down food for energy and building block materials (2).

o Iron is important for carrying oxygen through the blood to all cells in the body. Iron requirements are higher during periods of rapid

growth such as adolescence as well as during regular intense exercise, making it an important mineral for active youth (5).

Fluids and water: Fluids help to regulate body temperature and replace sweat losses during physical activity. It is important for youth to stay

hydrated for better mental and physical performance in the activities they do.

o Water helps carry nutrients around in the body, get rid of wastes, regulate body temperature, and stay hydrated. Plain, cool water is

usually all youth need for activities lasting one hour or less. Youth should consume plenty of plain, cool water before, during and after

physical activities. Additional fluid is needed in warmer conditions.

o Sports Drinks: The key ingredients in most sports drinks are water, sugar, and electrolytes (sodium and potassium). Most youth who

participate in physical activity and sport do not need the extra sugar and electrolytes provided by these beverages. Although these

beverages are marketed and sold to the general public as part of a healthy lifestyle, they are only useful in very specific circumstances

such as if the activity is vigorous for longer than one hour, is intense, or if the activity is a prolonged competitive game that requires

repeated intermittent activity (2, 3). In most cases, water is the best choice.

o Energy drinks: Energy drinks are NOT the same as sports drinks. Energy drinks can actually decrease sports performance because they

contain large amounts of sugar, caffeine and carbonation, which can cause an upset stomach during activity and dehydration. These

drinks are not recommended for children, pregnant women and those sensitive to caffeine (5).

Supplements

Creatine: Creatine supplements should not be used by anyone under age 18 (2).

Protein Supplements: Protein supplements should not be used by youth; they can displace high quality food choices and may be high in sugar

salt or low in other nutrients or fibre. There is also not enough research on their use with youth to know their safety or helpfulness.

What to Eat and Drink Before, During and after Physical Activity

Before Activity: It is important to eat enough food before activity to fuel muscles and the brain for good mental and physical performance.

High carbohydrate foods digest quickly and should be the main source of fuel within 2-3 hours before activity, with a medium amount of

protein. High fat and/or fibre foods should be limited right before activity as they take longer to digest and can cause gas or upset stomachs

during activity (1). Examples of high quality pre-activity choices include oatmeal, low fat yogurt and fruit, pasta with tomato sauce, or an egg

and toast.

During Activity: Plain cool water is usually all that is needed for activities lasting one hour or less. For vigorous activity lasting longer than one

hour, or activity in hot temperatures, 100% juice, a store-bought or homemade sport drink or may be beneficial.

After Activity: Youth should drink plenty of water after activity. Recovery foods are those that are eaten right after activity. A mixture of

carbohydrate and protein within 30 minutes of the activity has been shown to be the best kind of recovery food to replenish energy stores and

28

repair lean tissue (muscle) (1). Examples of high quality recover foods include chocolate milk, fruit and yogurt smoothies, cottage cheese and

crackers, or homemade whole grain muffins.

NOTE: Youth do NOT need to count calories or follow strict meal plans to meet their physical activity needs. It is more important that they

understand the general types of foods that can be included in their meals and snacks before during and after physical activity to help them feel good

and perform their best. Focusing too strictly on portion sizes and macronutrient distribution can have a negative impact on youth’s relationship with

food and can even lead to disordered eating.

Making the healthy choice the easy choice

Since carbohydrates are the main fuel for activity, it is important for young athletes to eat a high carbohydrate diet along with enough protein to

build and repair body tissues as well as support their growth (4). Young athletes need frequent healthy meals and snacks to ensure energy

requirements can be sustained (4).

To help support active youth to make healthy food and beverage choices before, during and after activity, it is important to have healthy options

available in recreation facilities, at tournaments, and at sporting events. Watch this short video to find out more:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ENmGpUKH0M.

References

1. Sport Nutrition for Young Athletes. www.cps.ca/documents/position/sport-nutrition-for-young-athletes

2. Whitney et al. (2016). Understanding Nutrition 2nd Canadian Edition. United States: Lenore Taylor-Atkins; p 480-515..

3. Sports Hydration – Get the Facts. Dietitians of Canada. June 14, 2016. www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition-A-Z/Sports-Nutrition-(Adult)/Sports-

Hydration.aspx

4. Fueling the Young Athlete. www.coach.ca/fueling-the-young-athlete-p154684

5. Dietary Reference Intakes, The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements. Institute of Medicine. 2006. Washington, D.C.

6. Sports Nutrition for Youth: A Handbook for Coaches. Alberta Health Services. www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/nutrition/if-nfs-sports-nutrition-for-

youth.pdf

29

Opportunities and Barriers to Healthy Eating

Opportunities and Barriers to Healthy Eating for Youth

At a young age, adults provide all meals and snacks for children. As they get older, youth tend to shop for and prepare more of their

own foods and beverages. Depending on what is available at home, in their neighbourhoods, in and around schools, and in

recreation facilities, this will greatly influence what youth eat and drink.

When healthy food and beverage options are the easy choice, youth will be more likely to choose them. When youth have few

healthy food and beverage options, they often end up choosing those foods which are high in sugar, salt, and fat.

At Home

Youth learn what and how to eat from their parents and families. Influences on eating habits at home can include whether families

have:

Access to healthy foods and beverages in the community or transportation to get it somewhere else. In neighbourhoods where

there is limited access to affordable nutritious food and an easy access to unhealthy foods, it is difficult for families to purchase

healthy food to eat.

Enough income to be able to afford to get enough acceptable and nutritious foods and beverages. When high fat, salt, and sugar

foods and beverages are priced lower than nutrient rich foods, it can be difficult to purchase healthy options. When healthy

foods and beverages are affordable, accessible and appealing, it becomes easier to make healthy choices.

Food skills such as being able to plan and prepare healthy and tasty meals. There has been a decrease in food skills over the

years, resulting in many families and youth relying on less healthy pre-packaged and convenience foods (1). In addition, there is

the concern that opportunities for youth to gain 'traditional', basic or 'from scratch' cooking skills from family members may be

limited. When Youth are involved in food preparation and cooking, it encourages healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Time to grocery shop, plan, and prepare a meal. As families become busy with activities and responsibilities there may be less

time to plan, prepare and eat healthy meals and snacks.

Proper kitchen equipment, such as a stove and refrigerator, to prepare and store healthy foods.

Family Meals – Children and youth who participate in family meals on a regular basis tend to eat better than those who do not.

Enjoying regular family meals is associated with a higher consumption of vegetables and fruits, milk products and overall

nutrients (2). In addition, family meals have been associated with enhancing family relationships, supporting healthy choices

and improving literacy levels and school performance (3). It is also a way to pass on cultural and traditional knowledge.

Multiple stressors such as difficulty paying rent, finding a place to live, finding employment or caring for ill family members.

Outside the Home

Schools and surrounding area

Youth may rely on the foods and beverages available at school to provide or supplement their meals and snacks provided at home.

The implementation of nutrition policies and guidelines in schools can make the healthy choice the easy choice for students and is

associated with healthier eating patterns (4). Unfortunately, fast-food restaurants and convenience stores commonly surround

schools. Youth often walk to and eat at such establishments during their free time.

Peer influence

Youth are also influenced by what their peers eat and drink, and in order to fit in, they may feel they need to eat the same things

their friends do.

Recreation facilities and involvement in sport

Recreation facilities provide a space for physical activity, but unhealthy food and beverage choices are often readily available (8).

The food and beverage options available may not be what are recommended before, during and after physical activity.

Participation in sports and other physical activities can influence youth’ eating habits. As they learn about the role of healthy eating

and exercise, youth may choose healthier food options (if they are available!). Unfortunately, many unnecessary products such as

energy drinks and soft drinks are marketed by professional athletes or promoted by some coaches, and can influence teen eating

habits.

30

In addition, sports such as wrestling, football, gymnastics and dance in which body size plays a role also affect teen eating habits.

Food marketing

Advertising which targets youth often promotes low nutrient foods and beverages, while rarely promoting healthy items such as

vegetables and fruit. Studies show that Youth are more likely to request, buy or consume foods that are heavily advertised (9). Often

food and beverage marketing provides misleading or incomplete information about products, which can lead to youth

misunderstanding the nutritional value of foods that are marketed.

Body image

Media images of unrealistic body sizes and shapes along with comments from family, friends, role models and peers about weight

can influence youth’ body image and can in turn increase the risk of unhealthy dieting behaviours. Adult role models who are dieting

or have poor body image may also influence the emergence of dieting and unhealthy weight control practices. Talking about healthy

eating and physical activity for health benefits without focusing on weight, size and shape can promote a positive body image in

Youth.

31

Activity: Food Environment Assessment

Purpose: To help identify the influence the environment has on our food choices.

There are many reasons why we choose to eat the foods we do. Some are more obvious like hunger and taste, while others can be

less obvious invitations to eat like smells of food nearby, advertising and marketing, or just because the food was there. This activity

will help students identify some of the reasons we eat what we eat and the role the environment may have on our food choices.

Take Home Assignment – Fill out the following chart:

What did you feel?

Experience?

Did it have an

influence on what

you ate? Bought?

How did that influence what

you ate?

Bought?

1. How many food advertisements did you see

during your favourite TV show or in a

magazine?

2. On your way home from school, count the

number of places that you pass that sells

food.

3. How many steps does it take to get from the

TV, computer, or desk at work to get

something to eat?

4. Notice how much you eat from a large bulk

package versus a smaller package of food?

5. Notice how much food you would put on a

large plate versus a small plate or beverages

in glasses?

6. Do you often buy foods in meal deals, or

because of a sale or special offer (e.g. 3 for

$10)?

7. How do you feel when you see or smell

food? (e.g. vending machine right by the

school gym, desk with candies in a dish,

passing by and smelling the KFC at lunch

time).

Adapted from: Craving Change (2012). www.cravingchange.ca and Wansink, B. (n.d.) http://mindlesseating.org/index.php.

32

Processed Foods

What do whole grain breads, orange slices and potato chips have in common? They are all processed foods. Processed foods have

received a bad reputation over the years. Often these foods are blamed for the increased number of people with chronic disease

and weight issues. It is important to know that processed foods are more than potato chips and TV dinners. Although we need to be

cautious of some processed foods, many can be part of a positive healthy eating pattern.

What is a processed food?

Almost all of the food and beverages we consume have been processed to some degree. Changing foods in any way from how they

are found in nature is food processing. Peeling, chopping, cooking, and pasteurizing are all food processing methods, so it is almost

impossible to find many foods in our diet that have not been processed in some way. Foods are processed for many reasons. Milk is

pasteurized to destroy harmful bacteria, fresh vegetables are frozen to preserve them for another time, and grains are milled into

flour to make various breads. Some foods are fortified to enhance or replace vitamins lost in processing such as Vitamin D which is

added to low fat milk. Food processing itself is not an issue and can actually be the healthiest option, the concern is the amount of

processing and what other ingredients are added during the processing. Typically processed foods are grouped in categories similar

to those below (1).

1. Minimally processed: These foods have had some processing but it does not significantly change the nutritional makeup of

the food. The processing makes these foods more accessible, convenient and often safer to eat. Examples of minimally

processed foods would be chopping vegetables to make a salad, butchering an animal to make fresh meat, freezing vegetables

to store for later, and pasteurizing milk to kill bacteria. These foods do not have the addition of additives such as sugar, flour or

salt.

2. Processed ingredients: Some foods are processed to create food ingredients such as flour, sugar, salt and oil. These

ingredients are not consumed as is but are added to foods. For example, wheat is processed into whole wheat flour to make

bread. Oil is extracted to be used in foods such as baked goods and salad dressing.

3. Ultra-processed (also called highly processed): These foods are created when minimally processed foods are combined with

processed ingredients. They do not have any resemblance to the food they are made from. Examples of these foods include

chicken nuggets, hot dogs, fruit snacks, ice cream, and some breakfast cereals.

Ultra-processed, or highly processed foods, are the items of most concern. Highly processed foods tend to be high in fat, sugar, salt

and calories while contain few vitamins, minerals or fibre. They are often designed to be “ready to eat”, reheated or be portable.

These foods are highly marketed and are often easily accessible in convenience stores and schools. This availability enables them to

be consumed at anytime, anywhere and while doing other things such as driving a vehicle, working on a computer or watching

television. These types of eating behaviours lead to mindless eating and can cause over consumption of these foods. Research has

shown that our modern excess eating is a normal response to an over accessible and marketed food environment. It is inappropriate

to consider that eating habits are simply a matter of personal choice.

Reference: Monterio, C. A. (2009). Nutrition and Health: The issue is not food nor nutrients so much as processing. Public Health Nutrition. 12(5):

729-731.

33

Weight Bias

Weight bias refers to negative attitudes towards people due to their weight. These negative attitudes result in stereotypes,

prejudice and unfair treatment towards these people. Weight bias can be expressed in multiple forms, such as name-calling, teasing,

physical aggression, cyber bullying, rumors, and social exclusion (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8). Not only can this be embarrassing for a child or

youth, it can also have serious consequences on their physical, social and psychological health (4, 5, 8). Weight bias towards Youth

most often occurs at school and at home (5, 8).

Why does weight bias happen?

Weight bias occurs because we live in a culture where there is a perception that being thin is desirable (but not too thin, because

these people may be stigmatized as well) (1). Our culture also tends to believe that people are responsible for their life situation and

“get what they deserve”. Despite research suggesting that body weight is determined by a complex interaction of genetic, biological

and environmental factors, most people believe that weight gain or loss is under personal control (2,3).

We are exposed to misleading messages about weight from various means such as television, movies, books, magazines, social

media and websites. A consequence of these messages is that it is thought to be socially acceptable to judge people’s characters,

personalities and behaviours based on weight. When family members, friends, and education professionals reinforce these false

messages, individuals are stigmatized (1).

How does weight bias affect students?

Students who experience teasing or discrimination because of their weight can have low self-esteem, poor body image, and are

more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety (1, 5, 8). These students are also more socially isolated, less likely to

be chosen as friends, and more likely to engage in suicidal thoughts and behaviours (5, 8). Youth who experience weight biases are

more likely to try unhealthy weight control measures, binge eat, and avoid physical activities (4, 5, 8). Research shows that Youth

who have been victimized because of their weight report missing more days of school, and experiencing lower expectations by their

teachers, which can result in poorer academic performance (4, 6, 7, 8).

Taking Action

All people deserve safety, respect, and acceptance in their community and classroom. Just as we should not tolerate racial or gender

bias toward others, we should not tolerate weight bias (1). If you witness weight bias occurring in your school, intervene right away.

To learn how to address weight bias within your classroom and school, refer to the resources found at

www.uconnruddcenter.org/weight-bias-stigma-schools-and-educators

References

1. Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. Teachers: Weight Bias in Youth. [cited 2015 Dec 21]. Available from: www.uconnruddcenter.org/files/Pdfs/Educators-WeightBiasintheClassroom.pdf

2. Canadian Obesity Network. It’s time to end the last form of socially acceptable prejudice. [cited 2015 Dec 7]. Available from: www.obesitynetwork.ca/weight-bias

3. Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. Weight Bias and Stigma Theories of Weight Bias. [cited 2015 Dec 7]. Available from: www.uconnruddcenter.org/weight-bias-stigma-theories-of-weight-bias

4. Canadian Obesity Network. What is the impact of obesity stigma? [cited 2015 Dec 7]. Available from: www.obesitynetwork.ca/impact-of-obesity-stigma 5. Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. Weight Bias and Stigma Weight Stigmatization in Youth. [cited 2015 Dec 7]. Available from:

www.uconnruddcenter.org/weight-bias-stigma-weight-stigmatization-in-youth 6. Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. Weight Bias and Stigma Education. [cited 2015 Dec 7]. Available from: www.uconnruddcenter.org/weight-bias-stigma-

education 7. Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. Weight Bias: A Social Justice Issue. 2012. [cited 2015 Dec 7]. Available from:

www.uconnruddcenter.org/files/Pdfs/Rudd_Policy_Brief_Weight_Bias.pdf 8. Puhl, R. Latner, J. Stigma, Obesity, and the Health of the Nation’s Children. Psychol Bull. 2007;133(4):557-80.

34

Body Composition and Health Risks in Youth

Weighing and measuring students in schools

Measuring youth within the school setting can be more harmful than beneficial. Youth are often teased about their size and shape.

Measuring weight or body composition at school can increase the amount of teasing youth may already be receiving. Regardless of

their size or shape, youth may be pressured to try harmful diets. Body composition can influence health but research has shown that

shaming people for their size does not improve their health (1).

All students need to be physically active, eat well, and have positive mental health regardless of their size and shape. It is important

to be supportive of all youth by keeping the focus on health and wellness and off size and shape.

There are a number of measures that can be used to estimate body composition in relation to health risks.

BMI for Age

BMI (Body Mass Index) for Age is the recommended way for health care providers to assess growth and estimate body composition

in youth. Research has linked childhood BMI to health quality in adulthood (2). The calculation below is used to determine BMI.

BMI= weight in kilograms

height in metres2

BMI for youth MUST be interpreted differently than BMI for adults. Because youth are growing and developing, their body

composition changes frequently. As a result, BMI for youth MUST be interpreted by using the appropriate BMI for Age charts and

NOT adult BMI charts. When health care providers assess growth, several measurements over a period of time are used instead of

one measurement at one point in time.

Skin fold thickness measurements

Skin fold thickness measurements are not recommended for use in schools and fitness facilities. There is a high potential for error

due to the difficulty in obtaining accurate measurements. Most importantly, skin fold calipers measure subcutaneous fat (fat that is

found under the skin). Subcutaneous fat, although still part of overall weight, is not the most concerning fat for health. Visceral fat

(fat stored in the abdomen), found close to internal organs, is the type of fat that is associated with health risks and often cannot be

measured using skin fold measurements (3).

Regardless of the technique used, body composition should only be measured and used by a trained healthcare provider as part

of a total health assessment to accurately evaluate disease risk.

References

1. Puhl, R. Heuer, C. Obesity Stigma: Important Considerations for Public Health. Am J Public Health. 2010 June; 100(6): 1019–1028. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866597/

2. Dietitians of Canada. PEN Current Issues: Growth Monitoring of Infants and Children Using the 2006 World Health Organization Child Growth Standards and 2007 WHO Growth References. 2013. [cited November 3, 2015]. Available from: www.dietitians.ca/Dietitians-Views/Prenatal-and-Infant/WHO-Growth-Charts/WHO-Growth-Charts---Resources-for-Health-Professio.aspx

3. Harvard Medical School. Abdominal fat and what to do about it. 2015. [cited November 3, 2015] Available from: www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/abdominal-fat-and-what-to-do-about-it